by Pat K. Rowlett
THE PIANO: In the early 1980’s we had a very cold Christmas Eve. During the service the old organ wheezed, gasped, then quit working altogether. Pastor Rich Boyd told Vance to “Come downstairs and play the piano” since we didn’t have one upstairs. After that incident, it was decided we needed to have a piano upstairs. Louis Foye and 3 friends picked up the Hamilton piano (that was already 20 or so years old) and carried it up the curved staircase to the balcony. It was a miracle! That piano served us well, especially when we were waiting for the new organ to arrive. At its last tuning, the technician informed me that the hammers were coming apart. Vance and Cindy had been having trouble getting certain notes to sound dependably, so the decision was made to find a “new” piano. Hopper Pianos in Raleigh was having a sale on used pianos, so an appointment was made and I played at least 20 different pianos that day. The one I chose is a Yamaha made in 1981 that has been rebuilt. A moving crew of 5 gentlemen delivered it on June 25, and we experienced another miracle. What teamwork and leadership that took. Not a word was spoken by the workers. Larry, the lead mover, spoke to each worker separately with very specific instructions. He was totally in control, and there was incredible trust between all of them. After they finished, he thought of a better way to do it! But all were safe—the piano, the workers, and the floors. We dedicated the piano on July 11 before Cindy Sutton played the prelude on it. It plays well and has a crisp, clean sound.
Memorial gifts used to purchase the piano had been given to the Music Fund in memory of Frances Francis, Barbara and Burke Kerr (my parents), Agnes Loll, Ben McAden, Norman Mitterling, Daphne Pope, Ernestine Rankin, and George Runser. We pray that it will make beautiful music to the glory of God for another 40 years.
CHOIRS TO BEGIN!
We always have a place for new singers in each choir, so please consider joining us. The experience will enrich your worship, and you will be giving a gift to God that only you can give.
The rehearsal times can be found on this page. Registration for children’s choirs are available online below, and cards will be in the Sanctuary for your convenience. If you have questions, contact Pat Rowlett Tuesdays or Thursdays at the church office (252-637-3270) or email me at pat@firstpresnb.org. For Resurrection Singers, contact Susan Mabie, shmabie@suddenlink.net
THE PIANO: In the early 1980’s we had a very cold Christmas Eve. During the service the old organ wheezed, gasped, then quit working altogether. Pastor Rich Boyd told Vance to “Come downstairs and play the piano” since we didn’t have one upstairs. After that incident, it was decided we needed to have a piano upstairs. Louis Foye and 3 friends picked up the Hamilton piano (that was already 20 or so years old) and carried it up the curved staircase to the balcony. It was a miracle! That piano served us well, especially when we were waiting for the new organ to arrive. At its last tuning, the technician informed me that the hammers were coming apart. Vance and Cindy had been having trouble getting certain notes to sound dependably, so the decision was made to find a “new” piano. Hopper Pianos in Raleigh was having a sale on used pianos, so an appointment was made and I played at least 20 different pianos that day. The one I chose is a Yamaha made in 1981 that has been rebuilt. A moving crew of 5 gentlemen delivered it on June 25, and we experienced another miracle. What teamwork and leadership that took. Not a word was spoken by the workers. Larry, the lead mover, spoke to each worker separately with very specific instructions. He was totally in control, and there was incredible trust between all of them. After they finished, he thought of a better way to do it! But all were safe—the piano, the workers, and the floors. We dedicated the piano on July 11 before Cindy Sutton played the prelude on it. It plays well and has a crisp, clean sound.
Memorial gifts used to purchase the piano had been given to the Music Fund in memory of Frances Francis, Barbara and Burke Kerr (my parents), Agnes Loll, Ben McAden, Norman Mitterling, Daphne Pope, Ernestine Rankin, and George Runser. We pray that it will make beautiful music to the glory of God for another 40 years.
CHOIRS TO BEGIN!
We always have a place for new singers in each choir, so please consider joining us. The experience will enrich your worship, and you will be giving a gift to God that only you can give.
The rehearsal times can be found on this page. Registration for children’s choirs are available online below, and cards will be in the Sanctuary for your convenience. If you have questions, contact Pat Rowlett Tuesdays or Thursdays at the church office (252-637-3270) or email me at pat@firstpresnb.org. For Resurrection Singers, contact Susan Mabie, shmabie@suddenlink.net
Music Opportunities
Below you will find the choir schedule:
All rehearsals take place in the Ministry Center Room 2.08
Daybreak Choir: open to Sr. high youth and adults for the 8:30 am Worship service
Sanctuary Choir: open to Sr. high youth and adults for the 11:00 am Worship service
The Daybreak & Sanctuary Choirs rehearse together Thursdays 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
Our principal choirs are for Sunday Services, special worship services, and performances of major choral works.
Resurrection Singers: youth and adults, perform one Sunday a month
Rehearse 3rd Thursdays, 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
Choir that sings one Sunday each month, offering newly composed Christian music and old favorites. The Resurrection Singers are led by Susan Mabie, accompanied by Cindy Sutton.
Confirmation Choir: 6th – 12th grades. TBD
An advanced choir, singing 2 and 3 part music, and ringing handbells
Covenant Choir: 2nd – 5th grades. Monday 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
A comprehensive, age-based musical experience, utilizing hand-chimes, hand bells and Orff instruments. Members are introduced to rhythms, intervals, and how to read musical symbols, intervals and rhythms. The choir sings at worship services throughout the year and performs an annual musical.
Kinderchoir: Kindergarten and 1st grade. Tuesday 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
An introduction to singing, musical symbols and terminology, using songs, games, instruments and hand-chimes.
Preschool Choir: ages 3 and 4. TBD
An informal educational experience for young singers, using games, play activities, songs and rhythms to introduce musical concepts.
Sanctuary Bells (Handbell Choir)
Adults — TBD — Sanctuary
Advanced handbell choir, playing 5+ octaves of Schulmerich Handbells, and 5 octaves of Malmark Handchimes. Activities include participation in worship services, weddings, the Candlelight Service in December, Spring Ring, and festivals.
Below you will find the choir schedule:
All rehearsals take place in the Ministry Center Room 2.08
Daybreak Choir: open to Sr. high youth and adults for the 8:30 am Worship service
Sanctuary Choir: open to Sr. high youth and adults for the 11:00 am Worship service
The Daybreak & Sanctuary Choirs rehearse together Thursdays 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
Our principal choirs are for Sunday Services, special worship services, and performances of major choral works.
Resurrection Singers: youth and adults, perform one Sunday a month
Rehearse 3rd Thursdays, 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
Choir that sings one Sunday each month, offering newly composed Christian music and old favorites. The Resurrection Singers are led by Susan Mabie, accompanied by Cindy Sutton.
Confirmation Choir: 6th – 12th grades. TBD
An advanced choir, singing 2 and 3 part music, and ringing handbells
Covenant Choir: 2nd – 5th grades. Monday 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
A comprehensive, age-based musical experience, utilizing hand-chimes, hand bells and Orff instruments. Members are introduced to rhythms, intervals, and how to read musical symbols, intervals and rhythms. The choir sings at worship services throughout the year and performs an annual musical.
Kinderchoir: Kindergarten and 1st grade. Tuesday 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
An introduction to singing, musical symbols and terminology, using songs, games, instruments and hand-chimes.
Preschool Choir: ages 3 and 4. TBD
An informal educational experience for young singers, using games, play activities, songs and rhythms to introduce musical concepts.
Sanctuary Bells (Handbell Choir)
Adults — TBD — Sanctuary
Advanced handbell choir, playing 5+ octaves of Schulmerich Handbells, and 5 octaves of Malmark Handchimes. Activities include participation in worship services, weddings, the Candlelight Service in December, Spring Ring, and festivals.